By Gabriella Ogbu
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticized the federal government’s decision to prohibit candidates under the age of 18 from enrolling in the country’s postsecondary institutions.
In a statement released to journalists on Thursday, NANS President Pedro Obi branded the prohibition as incompetent on the part of the minister of education, who made such decisions without enough stakeholder involvement.
He went on: “This blanket ban is totally unacceptable to the students’ bodies; declaring such a far-reaching decision without even robust stakeholder engagement and legislative support undermines democratic process and inclusivity in policy making.”
Pedro Obi writes: “The blanket age restriction disregards individual differences in intellectual and academic capabilities, unfairly penalising students who are advanced for their age; students should be allowed to move at their own pace and maintain their performances.”
He further stated that many countries do not have rigid age limits for postsecondary education entry, instead relying on academic readiness and merit, which may put Nigerian students at a disadvantage globally.
“NANS is saying no to the plans by the federal government to set the minimum age for admission of students into higher institutions at 18; it is unfriendly, unjust, and not equitable.”
Obi, as a result, urged the federal government to change its position and enable the national assembly to provide legislative support before reaching a fair minimum, requirement.
